🧼 World Hand Hygiene Day – 5 May 2025
Theme: “It might be gloves. It’s always hand hygiene.”

World Hand Hygiene Day (WHHD) is commemorated annually on 5 May to raise awareness about the importance of proper hand hygiene in protecting both healthcare workers and communities. The campaign aims to reduce the spread of harmful germs in both home and healthcare environments.

🌍 A Global Initiative by WHO

In 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) marks 17 years of the SAVE LIVES: Clean Your Hands campaign. This year’s theme emphasizes that even when gloves are used, hand hygiene remains critical.

✋ The 5 Key Moments for Hand Hygiene (WHO Guidelines)

To reduce the transmission of germs in healthcare settings, hand hygiene should be performed at these five key moments:

1. Before touching a patient

2. Before a medical procedure

3. After a procedure or exposure to body fluids

4. After touching a patient

5. After touching the patient’s surroundings

🧤 Gloves ≠ Full Protection

Medical gloves are essential during procedures, but they do not guarantee complete protection. They can be contaminated just like bare hands.
✅ Key message: Whether gloves are used or not, proper hand hygiene remains essential.

🔄 Excessive glove use contributes to unnecessary healthcare waste. Using gloves only when medically indicated helps conserve resources and does not increase germ protection unless paired with proper hygiene.

🛡️ Why Hand Hygiene Matters

Hand hygiene has been proven effective in controlling the spread of diseases like:

• COVID-19

• Cholera

• Respiratory and diarrheal infections

At home, in public spaces, or in healthcare, good hand hygiene helps prevent illness and safeguard communities.

🧴 How to Wash Your Hands Properly

Use soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitiser. Clean all parts of your hands for at least 20 seconds, including:

• Palms

• Back of hands

• Between fingers

• Back of fingers

• Thumbs

• Fingertips

• Wrists